Congress approval of CAB will be ‘a walk in the park’

LAOAG CITY: Muslim community in the Philippines have something to celebrate because the basic law on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) has the support of both houses of Congress.

This was revealed by Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas after he was informed by his colleagues that they have more than enough in numbers to support the measure.

“It will be a walk in the park,” Farinas told reporters in a chance interview here.

He said they are just awaiting the draft bill to be submitted to Congress when they resume session on May 5. The draft basic law will be filed and expected to be referred to the concern committees who will start the hearing.

“The leadership will only identify who will be the lead committee and they can schedule the hearing immediately,” Farinas explained.

He said that all members of every committee that will focus on this measure can have a chance to scrutinize the bill and can make some amendments and recommendations.

Once it was approved by the committee, he said that they will refer this to plenary for open debates.

“I am not sure when will this be passed but I still believed that it can be passed within the time frame set by officials of House of Representatives,” the Assistant Majority Floor Leader said.

When asked if the draft basic law can be questioned in the Supreme Court of its constitutionality, he said the possibility is still high because those who are not yet convinced will not stop.

“Any citizen of the country can question this before the High Tribunal but there is no guarantee that the magistrates will favor their position,” he pointed out.

The veteran solon said that they will anticipate a long process and intense plenary debates on the proposed law just any other measures before it becomes a law.

He said that the quest for a real and lasting peace must start now as he encouraged other Muslims to join the bandwagon for peace and prosperity.

“This bill is one of the most significant measures that will give teeth to the peace agreement, seal the deal and finally put an end to the decades of unrest here in Mindanao,” he concluded. PNA